The administration of Edo State has issued a seven-day deadline to ex-deputy governor Godwin Omobayo, requiring him to hand back every piece of state-owned property and equipment that he continues to hold.
Omobayo had been inaugurated on April 8, 2024, by Chief Judge Daniel Okungbowa subsequent to his nomination from former Governor Godwin Obaseki, in the wake of a dispute involving the deputy governor at that time, Phillip Shaibu. Yet, Shaibu was subsequently restored to his role by the state House of Assembly, which made Omobayo’s short stint in the position invalid.
On Tuesday, October 28, Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, speaking for Governor Monday Okpebholo, declared that every official article utilized or obtained by Omobayo over his limited time serving in office continues to belong to the state and needs to be surrendered without delay.
“The government has observed with dismay that several official items, including vehicles, documents, and other state-owned assets assigned to Mr Omobayo during his brief and illegitimate tenure, are yet to be surrendered to the appropriate authorities, despite multiple formal reminders,” the statement read.
Itua characterized Omobayo’s ongoing retention of the property as “a clear breach of public trust and unlawful possession of state assets.” He emphasized once more that every state asset is required to be returned after an individual departs from office, irrespective of how long they served or the surrounding political conditions.
“Accordingly, Mr Omobayo is hereby given a period of seven days from the date of this release to comply fully by returning all government property under his custody to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government,” the statement added.
The administration cautioned that not meeting the requirement inside the designated timeframe will result in instructions being given to the Edo State Commissioner of Police to detain Omobayo and retrieve every state asset via legal procedures.
Itua additionally pointed out that the current leadership will under no circumstances allow behaviors amounting to impunity. “No individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, will be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State,” he said.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli